Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Los Angeles

Best Fun Restaurants in Santa Monica

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

18 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Benihana - Santa Monica, CA restaurant
4.3
Awesome(4134)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Santa Monica
Booked 82 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of 1212 Santa Monica restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1810)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 49 times today
1212 Santa Monica is a unique New American Cuisine restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica on the Third Street Promenade. Our menu highlights the palette and diversity of the SoCal landscape. Complimenting the food, our beverage program includes select wines and creative cocktails to enhance your dining experience.Join us for All Night Happy Hour starting daily at 5pm & Bottomless Brunch every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with bottomless mimosas for only $28. On specific Saturdays & Sunday brunches we charge a $10 Entertainment Fee for those enjoying drag shows in our Main Dining Area.Enjoy the beautiful beach weather on the patio, or indoors in our massive dining room. Plan a private event or meeting on our Balcony, Private Dining Room or Patio.
A photo of El Rincon De Los Dolidos - Santa Monica restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(53)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Santa Monica
Booked 3 times today
Rincón de los Dolidos somos un bar en donde transformamos el despecho en alegría en donde celebras la diversión cantando desde el corazón la música más iconica te hará olvidar todo. ¡Ven a disfrutar y dejar atrás las penas, únete a la fiesta de despechados!***For the health and well-being of our employees, a 20% service charge will be added to your bill***
A photo of KAIF restaurant
4.4
Awesome(26)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • West Los Angeles
Booked 5 times today
The esteemed international culinary champions, Yehor Muradyan and Marharyta Myronenko, proudly co-founded and lead Kaif LA as head chefs. With a wealth of experience and a boundless passion for the culinary arts, we are dedicated to tantalizing your palate with our exquisite delicacies.
A photo of Siete at Santa Monica Proper restaurant
4.5
Awesome(48)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Monica
James Beard Finalist Caroline Schiff, formerly the Executive Pastry Chef of Brooklyn’s iconic Gage & Tollner, is thrilled to present a preview of her forthcoming New York City Diner concept at Santa Monica Proper this December. For one weekend only, enjoy a set menu featuring fun twists on diner classics and her signature maximalist desserts, all paired with crafted cocktails.
A photo of Casa Modena restaurant
4.5
Awesome(50)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Brentwood
Casa Modena is BACK. TRUFFLE LOVER? This is the place for you!!! Authentic Italian food from Chef Umberto. We slightly change the name from Mio Babbo to Casa Modena, same owner, same delicious food. Book your table now!
A photo of Sorry Not Sorry restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(1)
Price: Expensive
• Fusion / Eclectic • Sawtelle
Welcome to Sorry Not Sorry, where Chef Kim Vu—Santa Monica's esteemed Chef in Residence and featured chef in EaterLA—crafts vibrant Asian-Mexican fusion cuisine in a casually sophisticated atmosphere. .Enjoy signature dishes like Turmeric Garlic Fries, Kim Chi Quesadillas, and the Vietnamese Shaking Beef Burger, alongside seasonally rotating dishes. Sip on our famous Spicy Fish Sauce Margarita, part of an award-winning cocktail program featuring house-made syrups, premium spirits, and freshly pressed juices, complemented by extensive non-alcoholic options. Explore our chef-curated wine list highlighting unique estate bottled wines. .Dine on our open-air back patio or host memorable private events customized to your tastes. Conveniently located near UCLA, Westwood, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach, between two Expo Train stops. Reserve your table today for an inclusive and unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of Mo's Place restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(7)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Playa del Rey
Booked 2 times today
Mo’s Place is a legendary neighborhood gem known for delicious food, draft beer & craft cocktails for over 25 years. Under new management, the fun & friendly vibe has amped up to include Trivia Night, DJ music on the patio, as well an eclectic mix of live music. Consistently voted Best Sports Bar on the Westside, Mo’s offers year-round sports viewing on over 12 screens. Consider Mo’s for your next party or event or just come down and enjoy a great meal and a fun time with friends.
A photo of Barton G. The Restaurant - Los Angeles restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4313)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • West Hollywood
Booked 25 times today
With a philosophy that dining is a cause for celebration, Barton G. Weiss and our team of award-winning chefs, designers, and producers create meals not only to satiate the appetite but to stimulate all the senses. Our menus and approach to guest service is uniquely crafted to push the limits of normal dining. From new twists on comfort food to Instagram-worthy presentations, guests are invited to have an experience like no other. As the originator of experiential fun-dining, we pride ourselves on doing things bigger, bolder, & more dramatic.We do not take reservations for desserts only. Photo ID req. with CC
A photo of Toscanova - Century City restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1131)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Century City
Booked 22 times today
Toscanova, the elegant Italian Trattoria named after its celebrated executive chef partner Agostino Sciandri, is one of the latest additions to grace the enclave restaurants in Century City. Satiating the palate is an unusual and enticing variety of pasta dishes, seafood and steaks, Spaghetti allo Scoglio, and Risotto Ai Funghi. Following the success of Century City, Chef Agostino Sciandri is introducing the flavors of Tuscany to Calabasas, opening April 2012.Read our reviews on: Zagat.com (http://www.zagat.com/Verticals/PropertyDetails.aspx?VID=8&R=141145) .

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mike
    Los Angeles •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great experience. The management was spectacular. The cook was fantastic. The service was great as the food and drinks were always on time.
    More info
    Benihana - Santa Monica, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Santa Monica
    4.3
  • Daphne
    Los Angeles •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Everything was great me and my friends had a good time here. The Dj was excellent he had a mixture of every song/genre. The only area we were a little upset about was the Photo Booth. It needs to have a screen so we are able to see ourselves before the picture actually takes.
    More info
    1212 Santa MonicaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Monica
    4.3
  • Miriam
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 18, 2025
    An Unforgettable Night at El Rincón de Los Dolidos! If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a girls’ night out, look no further than El Rincón de Los Dolidos! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and incredible service. The vibe is everything — intimate, fun, and full of good energy. The music was on point all night! A playlist that kept us singing, dancing, and feeling all the feels. Whether you’re there to toast to good times or let out a few tears with your girls, this place sets the perfect mood. Drinks? Delicious. Staff? Attentive and friendly. Atmosphere? Absolutely unmatched. We’ll definitely be back — because nights like these are what memories are made of. 💃❤️🎶 Highly recommend!
    More info
    El Rincon De Los Dolidos - Santa MonicaPrice: Moderate• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Santa Monica
    4.6
  • Jasmine
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Apr 18, 2025
    Ambient and pretty but the drinks were not worth the rate and the food menu was mid! This would be nice for tourist or rich locals that don’t care about quality food and alcohol.
    More info
    KAIFPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• West Los Angeles
    4.4
  • Alexandra
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 8, 2024
    Chef Caroline Schiff is an all star! She put on a command performance debuting her new NYC restaurant concept. Every last finishing touch was delicious and perfect. From the dressing on the salad to the garnish on the dessert - no detail was left unattended. We love Caroline!
    More info
    Siete at Santa Monica ProperPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Monica
    4.5

Discover best fun restaurants in Santa Monica

Discover the playful and diverse dining scene in Santa Monica, a vibrant part of Los Angeles' Westside known for its eclectic eateries and breathtaking ocean views. If you're searching for a "fun" dining experience in this area, you're in luck! Santa Monica boasts an array of restaurants that offer not just a meal, but a delightful experience, whether you're sitting with your feet in the sand, enjoying a poolside Mediterranean feast, or basking in the ambiance of a cozy, candle-lit Italian bistro. From the beachfront vibes of coastal cafes to the authentic, hearty flavors of international cuisines, each restaurant captures the essence of fun with great food, lively atmospheres, and stunning settings. Perfect for both a casual outing or a special occasion, these establishments ensure every meal is memorable. Embrace the chance to dine in settings that range from elegant to laid-back, where every restaurant strives to offer not just a dish, but a delightful dining adventure. Santa Monica's restaurant scene truly offers a slice of culinary delight for anyone looking for a fun and fulfilling dining experience.

OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo